Real life...stranger than fiction.

Totals...Twitter 5 Tweets (even got a re-tweet!)... Facebook...two status updates...blog entry...one in progress...actual productive writing of my novel... 1500 words after uni...Emails/text messages from mad cousin...none today (not sure she could keep up the pace!!)
Cups of coffee...2 Cupcakes ...0  (unless a raspberry muffin counts?!)
Music mostly on spotify today ...Aqualung, Tyrone Wells, U2.

To be honest it has taken me so long to actually get into my blog this evening due to computer gremlins I have kind of lost the plot! So lets start with some pretty pictures!!

One day a week at the moment I get to have away from my day job for the purpose of attending university, due to stupidness earlier in the year I have only attended twice before and both times it was grey and miserable and cold. Today however it was lovely and not raining and actually nice and warm (yes I was shocked too!). It made a nice change to be able to get out an about in the sunshine, even if we did have to sit in a classroom and learn about research for a bit! If this continues I think I may like being a student for a while.
The added bonus being that today when I got home, feeling inspired by the happy weather - instead of sitting in a quiet corner trying to digest the latest lesson I was actually able to spend a couple of hours writing book 3. It was also nice to sit down for a while having walked about 9 miles today!

It was from events that have happened recently that I decided on my title for today's blog. I like most of the world I can only imagine, have been gripped by events happening around the globe. Obviously the 

tragic events that have recently happened in Boston, as well as the all that is happening in Syria seem to be dominating the news. I have to admit I was pretty much glued to the news watching the events unfold in Boston and I suppose not having any direct connection it felt like watching a movie or TV programme, obviously I know it is real. It's just sad to think that there are people out there that think actions such as these are justified. It's not just events far away that have an unbelievable quality to them.                                                                 

A friend currently having a tough time informed me today about a situation they have found themselves in, they find it so incomprehensible (I hope they don't mind me quoting) that they stated "this could be a storyline from one of your books." Once they had finished I had to agree, not that I would use it - that would be mean but still sometimes things happening on our own doorstep can often be much more scary, upsetting or unbelievable than anything we can write in a book. Perhaps that is why there are so many genre's available, everyone needs to escape sometime and although there is a need for the serious literary works - the humorous or mystical can sometimes provide the light relief or escapism that we all need?

 

Providing my light relief today that I can actually put in print is my disastrous performance in the World Book Night quiz! I really need to hang my head in shame, especially at the James Bond round. The fact that I was practically dragged up on James Bond films (thanks Dad!) seems to mean that I have blocked any learnt James Bond trivia completely from my brain. I guess I was traumatised having to watch the films over and over, the funny thing is that I actually choose to watch the most recent ones and to my surprise really enjoy them. Perhaps this has more to do with Daniel Craig? It's certainly possible. In my team of two (apart from one other team of two who did come last, all the other teams had at least four and in some cases seven people in them) I am proud we came...um...second to last by 2 points and that we only scored 2 points on the James Bond round - I even attempted to text my Dad (yes I am aware this is cheating) but he didn't answer so it wasn't much use to me tonight.

So I guess I have a year to expand my team, and I suppose my knowledge! The highlight of the evening was the book stash (see above) I came away with, I had to limit myself I couldn't carry anymore. But they may keep me going for a while and I even have my very own first James Bond book and I promise I will read it and um...post a full book report!!

Goodnight.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr...

Totals...Twitter 0 Tweets (shocking!)... Facebook...none since 05/04!...blog entry...one in progress...actual productive writing of my novel... 500 words before work (yes I am feeling very proud!)  Emails/text messages from mad cousin...one just arrived (not read it yet but she's bound to be nagging me in there somewhere about blogging)
Cups of coffee...3 Cupcakes ...0
Music mostly on spotify today ...Lykke Li

Back to reality with a huge bump today, and I have to say am feeling a little grumpy for no reason. After weeks of being in limbo and pain and trying to get all of my holiday in before I lose it I finally went back to work properly today! I will be fine once I am in a routine I am sure but I kind of feel out of the loop, however one achievement to be proud of is the fact I managed 500 words before work this morning.
Perhaps my grumpiness is down to the lack of sugar - no cupcakes, obviously I need to bake!!!

Turns out I'm even angry at the kettle for not boiling quickly enough, perhaps a cheese and pickled onion sandwich will help?!

The past week has been interesting and challenging for many reasons, too numerous to talk about them all here. One of the more memorable my birthday and introduction to cherry beer! Amazing I had never tried this before and I don't especially like beer but this was great.  Having been disappointed that my first choice for birthday meal venue didn't actually let you book tables we went here http://www.thebelgianmonk.com/index2.html to The Belgian Monk in Norwich instead. The beer menu fills a wall, so there is a few to chose from! Had an amazing time and the food was excellent - even as a vegetarian I had difficulty as there was so much to chose from, that definitely makes a change! I got totally spoilt and bought lots of books and got loads of fab presents to make so it was a great day.

On the writing front I decided that it was high time to book in the last section of my first book to be edited, it feels like I have been working on this forever and the stall is all my own doing I'm afraid. Its going to be a good feeling to have it completed whatever I decide to do with it afterwards. As well as this I got tonnes of writing done during my holiday so I think it may be time to think about a self imposed deadline perhaps I will think about that for a few days before I commit...who knows I may even be more cheerful then?!!

Brave...

Totals...Twitter 0 Tweets (shocking!)... Facebook...1 status update ...blog entry...one in progress...actual productive writing of my novel... nothing today but I am thinking about it!  Emails/text messages from mad cousin...one yesterday (think she's slipping!)
Cups of coffee...0 Cupcakes ...0 ( I am drinking red wine as I blog - I figure that along with the Easter Egg cancels out my lack of coffee and cupcakes?)
Music mostly on spotify today ...much randomness...Goldfrapp, Rita Ora, Over the Rhine, Ingrid Michaelson, Norah Jones.

So having saved my bed from the evil clutches of text books, yes this is really what my bed looks like most of the time when I am trying to study.

I am certain that things will only get worse as I continue my studies - to be fair when I am writing and editing it probably looks so much worse but I fear I may need a trolley to cart this lot back to the library.
Having been nagged (somewhat) and bullied (as much as I will let her get away with) I have returned to blog. I am not entirely convinced that my life is all that interesting to make excessive amounts of posts but I have promised to keep at it so I shall try.
From the picture above it is quite evident that for the last few weeks the majority of my reading materials have been somewhat dry, so it was time for some light relief. I was so pleased to get hold of my copy of  'Good Husband Material' by Trisha Ashley on Friday. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Good-Husband-Material-Trisha-Ashley/dp/1847562817/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364843905&sr=8-1
I came home that evening and didn't just start reading I can say hand on heart that I pretty much devoured it in one sitting - ignoring the phone, the pull of emails and everything else that easily manages to distract me and finished it all except a few pages - which I finished on Saturday.
Talking to a colleague about books we were attempting to recommend books to each other and got talking about Trisha Ashley's books which she described as the book equivalent of a cuddle! I love that - I think I may have to steal it. Certainly this book didn't disappoint and made me feel pretty good, so well done! The characters for the most part were very likable although I did want to get hold of James and give him a good shake - what an idiot ( I know that was kind of the point!) but it was a good mix of humour and moments that make you shake your head in disbelief and really what was needed after reading one too many text books. I only hope that as my writing progresses I am able to draw people in just as easily.

Once finished with the book I had to find something else to challenge my creativity as I just wasn't in the mood to write - so decided that my life would not be complete without cupcakes topped with penguins (obviously). I have yet to make the cakes or cake - its my birthday on Thursday so may just make myself a cake so
currently these little guys are living in my fridge. I need to make some more to add to the collection. I have a few days I am sure I still have plenty enough time to reenact the March of the Penguins. Not that I am obsessed (much).

The wine has clearly taken effect already and the title of today's blog so far bares no relevance to the content - just for a change. As I blogged last week about the challenges of 'pressing the button' and sending my writing off to be judged. In a moment of bravery I did it again this week and sent bood 2 off on its merry little way. I can only conclude that it means I am either feeling more confident about my writing or less precious - I am not entirely sure which is more true. I am sure other writers are the same, filled with self doubt, worried about being judged. But ultimately I am not too sure my aspiration of becoming a writer would be too successful it all I did on completion of my novels was to hide them under my bed, although it is a little tempting.

For the rest of this week I am now on leave from work (who wants to work on their birthday?) and work on my current project in between dragging my reluctant wobbly bits to the gym to get beasted. My next challenge to set a deadline for said project which is yet the untitled sequel to book 2 and over halfway written. I may have to ponder that for a while, perhaps after the wine has worn off.

Happy Easter!
x

 

 

Trying...

Totals...Twitter 0 Tweets (REALLY bad!)... Facebook...1 status updates ...blog entry...one in progress...actual productive writing of my novel...nothing so far I worked a 13 hour shift, there's still time!
Cups of coffee...1 Cupcakes ...0 (sadly lacking in the cupcake department, will remedy this tomorrow!)
Music mostly on my itunes this evening...Florence and the Machine, James Morrison, Alanis Morissette (forgot how good she was!)

Hello June! Wow it's halfway through already, I have no idea where the time is going, but it's going somewhere pretty quick these days. So my good intentions of increasing blog posts has kind of failed but still here I am!
The title of today's blog means many things and kind of sums up life at the moment, trying to study, trying to blog, trying to write...trying to get fit (not sure my bottom has recovered from the three spinning classes I attended last week!!) and generally things that come up day to day. I sit here this evening enjoying a nice glass of wine (red of course!) thinking about the last couple of days in the day job, which have been somewhat trying for a number of reasons. What is great to see is the support from colleagues and how a team really pulls together when things get difficult, my job is rewarding on so many levels but can be very difficult. I'm not sure if any of them will be reading this out there but I would just like to say cheers!

In terms of life outside of the day job, it has been interesting to say the least. I am waiting for the next part of my first novel to be returned from the editor which is both exciting and terrifying - receiving feedback on my 'baby' and acknowledging that he is helping me on my journey. Picking up a new project which I'd not bargained for! Having already decided I would re-visit a project that is halfway through now that I have completed the second draft of my second novel. Instead of which I am now three chapters into a follow on to second novel, this thing seems to be taking on a life all of it's own so I figured it was only right to go with it and see where it leads...only time will tell.

At the same time 'trying' to feed the inner creative being I took myself to the movies, thankfully this time I was not plagued by compulsive talkers.

Cosmopolis, I've read the book - I found it an interesting read and will admit I had to read a few bits more than once but I stuck with it and loved it. I think there has been mixed reviews for the films and to be honest I usually make my own mind up if a film looks interesting and I enjoyed it. There were no special effects, huge explosions or the like as much of the films takes place in the back of a limousine but I thought it was great! I suppose the fact that Robert Pattinson has been cast in the lead will cause interest for some female fans, but rest assured for those who are not fans this is nothing like it! Hopefully it will prove to some out there that he can actually act? Who knows, but I enjoyed it.
Aside from the cinema this week I will be going to the theatre to see Carmen, something that I have wanted to do for a very long time. I love the music and it's the first time I've been to see and opera so I hope that I am going to like it. Perhaps I can let you know next time.

In terms for the next few weeks, I am hoping to really be able to concentrate on the storyline to the latest novel and develop it into something worthy of a sequel. Often sequels are a huge let down so I am determined a continuation of a story has got to have enough of a spark to captivate a reader to want to spend time with my characters once again, at least that's what I am trying to do.

Why?

Totals...Twitter 2 Tweets (which is kind of pathetic!)... Facebook...1 status updates ...blog entry...one in progress...actual productive writing of my novel...nothing I took a day off! Cups of coffee...1 Cupcakes ...1
Music mostly on my itunes this evening...Goyte, Florence & the Machine, Christina Perri.

Hi! So I vowed to get better with the blog and I have failed fairly spectacularly, so here in a nutshell is what has been happening in my life just in case you were wondering...the day job, studying related to the day job, having an impressive meltdown about studying, finished second draft of third novel, sent second part of first novel to editor (after emailing him under the influence of red wine and cocktails, not advisable!) and have now gone back to second novel - which is currently half way through, after stopping it to write third. Confused? Try being in my head!

And breathe...am wondering if I have a finger in too many pies, but I have to admit I've never been good at sitting still for long.
Currently I am enjoying two days off from the day job, I had a nice day planned. Spending the day with my Aunt who was catching the train to come and meet me...so here is where the title of today's blog comes into play... Why is it when you have something planned do things never go as you think they should? I get a message saying she will be late because the train has been cancelled, they put buses on instead which means it will take and hour instead of 20 minutes to get to me...a few minutes I get another message telling me the bus has hit a car! Thinking I have plenty of time I think I will leave the car and take a bus to the train station, after standing at the bus stop for forty minutes I give up, walk home and pick up the car. Finally we meet! Then after a bit of shopping we do lunch!

Well, this wasn't our entire lunch but definitely my favourite bit! If the bus had turned up it would have been even better because I would have been able to have more than half a glass, but I am sure my Uncle was very appreciative of a slightly tipsy wife to accompany him to the cinema after I waved goodbye. In any case it was a nice way to spend a couple of hours.
Having had my evening plans cancelled I decided a trip to the cinema would be a nice way to end the day. I didn't want anything I would have to think about too much so having already seen What to expect when you're expecting last week I decided to give Snow White and the Huntsman a try...

Now I doubt the film will win many (or any) Oscars but I have to admit I enjoyed it, or would have. Sorry am going to moan a bit here...WHY do people insist on going to watch a movie and talk through the ENTIRE film? What is the point in going, or do they think that everyone else in the theatre has paid their money to listen to their conversation? I can probably guess the answer to this and it would be NO!!!! Everyone makes the odd comment and that's fine but there really is no point in going to see a movie if you are going to talk all the way through it. OK I feel better now I have that off my chest. I guess I've probably been spoilt as in a former job I got to go to press screenings and had the entire screen to myself most of the time - perhaps I need to find myself another job like that? In the meantime I will try and avoid the cinema at busy times or maybe I could just take a supply of projectile weapons to launch at anyone talking to excess and ruining the film...too much?

Zen like calm...

Totals...Twitter 6 Tweets ... Facebook...2 status updates ...blog entry...one in progress...actual productive writing of my novel...nothing I'm (still) editing! Cups of coffee...1 Cupcakes ...1
Music mostly on my itunes this evening;  very sore subject...but Rebecca Ferguson, Marcus Foster.

Am feeling a little guilty not having posted anything since April. it's not that I've not had anything to say - I've probably had too much but life has just got in the way a little.

So I will start by saying that life has been a little stressful recently, it was not helped any by itunes yesterday. When I sat at my computer ready to edit - and as usual I need music to work with - my house is too noisy most of the time not to have something in the background to drown it out. But as I logged in my play list was nowhere to be found!
Now obviously I am aware in the grand scheme of things that this is a very trivial matter - but to me this was a disaster, the list was not that bad (honest) and I had been cultivating it for months. It sported a very eclectic mix of everything I liked at the moment and found motivational while I wrote. Needless to say I was not happy. I still have no idea where it went, I also spent a considerable amount of time looking for it when I could have been editing - so to say I was unhappy was a bit of an understatement! I have now started the process of compiling another play list - but it's just not the same and is going to take time to love it...I'm just wondering if by the time I come to love it the same thing will happen? Perhaps or maybe that is just paranoia?!

Due to the fact it has been a while since I last blogged I should at least prove that I have used my time wisely in order to harness my creativity...

Painting! I had a huge space on the wall which has been home to my story board for almost six months and it finally got taken down and was replaced with this! I had great fun with paints and mosaic mirror stars. It was a bit of a stress reliever too!

I also made some crab cakes for a friend who is a little bit obsessed with crabs! They were great fun to make but a little time consuming, but I think they were well worth it.

In terms of writing progress I had some great feedback from my editor, which I was very pleased about and having now had the first half of my first novel back I have to say that I love what he's done with it. It's still me ( I was worried - having never had anything edited before) but it's tidier and flows better. It's true to say that I probably walked around with a cheesy grin fixed to my face for close to a week. He is currently working on the next part and I can't wait for it to be finished.

In the meantime I have now finished the second draft of my second novel which is so completely different to my first, and the first time I have attempted to write "funny" I'm hoping it pays off as it was fun to write. I am hoping for this to be edited when first is done, and now I can pick up the next which I am about a third of the way through. If that wasn't enough alongside a full time job I am also studying and my assignments are really starting to pile up. I am trying not to let my writing take a back seat but I have a feeling something is going to have to give...if for nothing other than my sanity!

I am open to suggestions of how to juggle my time effectively, until that happens I guess I will just have to keep smiling and carry on! While on this I have to say that my gym membership has been wasted too, this is something I will be rectifying on Monday! I am going to drag my reluctant butt to start my running schedule (this is going to be hilarious!) along with a very lovely yoga class...

What the ****?

Totals...Twitter 5 Tweets ... Facebook...1 status updates ...blog entry...one in progress...actual productive writing of my novel...nothing I'm (still) editing! Cups of coffee...1 Cupcakes ...0 (Replaced with a muffin today!)
Music mostly on my itunes this evening; Emeli Sande, Maroon 5

As I talked about on previous posts I'm currently having a little break from writing. I'm not sure how other people do this but, having finished the first draft of my second novel I feel it is only right to devote some time to reading and editing as much as I am able to before handing it over to the editor I have been working with.
My writing process is perhaps a little more drawn out than it needs to be, owing to the fact I hand write initially before transferring onto the computer so I have already "tweaked" things here and there. This doesn't stop me from hanging my head in shame when I read through some of the things I have written, my initial reaction is what the **** have I written, my next thought is - I am hoping that a passing alien has in fact hijacked my brain for a few hours, taken it for a spin and decided to have a bit of fun with my project, either that or I  really am in trouble!

Or is this normal?
Are the feelings I am having of blind irrational panic that it's not good enough part of the creative process? I may need some help on this.
I am alternating between loathing and loving my novel in quick succession it's very odd - it's also a very different feeling from the feeling I had after I'd finished my first.
When I finished my first novel I was so proud that after all these years of saying I wanted to write a book, I actually sat down and wrote one. Yes there were flaws (major ones) but it didn't diminish how proud and probably smug I felt. The novel I have just completed is in a totally different genre the character just popped into my head and I sort of went with it to try and have a bit of fun, so why am I finding it so hard to like it?
I'm hopeful that after another few days, I will change my mind again...until then I may have to lock up the shredder!

Back to reality...

Totals...Twitter 7 Tweets ... Facebook...2 status updates ...blog entry...one in progress...actual productive writing of my novel...nothing I'm editing! Cups of coffee...1 Cupcakes ...0 (Replaced with carrot cake today!)
Music mostly on my itunes this evening; Marcus Foster, Chopin (Yes really!)

I have to admit I've been fairly lax with the blog updates over the past few days. There are a number of reasons for this. Firstly it has been my birthday. They don't seem to bother me now, I had a really issue on my 29th birthday right up until a month before my 30th and now I don't care! (I was 35 this birthday in case you were wondering!) I had a great time, got thoroughly spoilt, spent a considerable amount of time in my local Waterstone's in Norwich spending my birthday voucher (making my inner bookworm very happy!) and then went out for a celebratory waffle with friends in the evening. So my day in pictures went a bit like this...

My birthday (cake) provided by my Auntie who I met for breakfast at 0800hrs not realising that I could have actually had a lie in but never mind we sat and yawned together and it was nice to see her!

These were actually cookies in the shape of cupcakes (major sugar overload) and were a gift from one of my housemates who said he'd cheated and bought them as his cooking is rubbish! Never the less they were lovely and provided much needed substance later in the day when returning from dinner after much wine was consumed.

Completely spoilt!! Lots of prezzies and lots of books to keep me busy for a little while while I edit, and have a breather before I start writing again.

Birthday waffle, mushroom and cheese sauce, very nice!!

Birthday dessert waffle, chocolate mousse with cream and banana and chocolate sprinkles. Well it would have been rude not too!

Finally after all the trauma with the printer, here it is. The first draft of my second novel I would give you the title but I'm not sure I'm feeling the love for it yet so may change it still. However that being said I am now starting to work my way through tweaking things a little before it gets sent on its merry way to be edited professionally! It was a weird feeling and actually kind of emotional seeing it all printed in front of me, not sure I will ever get used to that, not that I think I'd ever want to feel less excited at the achievement!

Sadly now my holiday is almost over, I go back to the day job on Sunday and it will be nice to see everyone but I know I will be itching to get home again each day to get through with this first draft as soon as it's now going to have to take a bit of a back seat now that I am returning to the job that pays the bills and keeps a roof over my head!

It will also be a bit of a relief to have the cakes and chocolate and everything else gone and get stuck into the healthy eating again and get myself back to the gym which I have to say I have neglected for a little while and I am starting to feel guilty so it must be time to go back! The idea for the plot and the main character for the book pictured above came to me while I was actually at the gym swimming (very slowly, I can swim for ages but I'm not very fast and I'm a boring swimmer I use the same stroke). It was probably because of the repetitive motion I was able to just switch off and after about forty-five minutes had to get out and grab my notebook. I scribbled furiously until I'd written as much of the plot and character information I could remember before it drowned in the abyss of my brain never to be thought of again. If it's successfully published I suppose I will have the gym to thank but until then I will probably continue to return begrudgingly.  

bump back down to earth...

Totals...Twitter 9 Tweets ... Facebook...1 status updates ...blog entry...one in progress...actual productive writing of my novel...2500 words and finished 1st draft, Cups of coffee...1 Cupcakes ...1
Music mostly on my itunes this evening; Westlife, Ed Sheeran, Christina Perri.

Today has been a bit of a roller coaster, it's the first day of my holiday from the day job and I've planned nothing except a birthday dinner but that's not until next week so I thought it would give me ample time to sit and focus on meeting my self imposed deadline to finish the first draft of the novel I am currently writing.
Then today this happened...

Well, it happened in as much as I went to the counter and purchased them. I am sure you will agree it is a fine looking breakfast? I then sat and wrote like a woman possessed and something happened. Amazingly I finished my first draft a week early and ended up with cramp in my hand for my efforts but it was well worth it. I then walked around in the sunshine with a cheesy grin on my face feeling very pleased with myself. Not only does it mean I get to crack on with my edits now but I get my wall back...

Admittedly its not a great picture but what you are looking at is my storyboard of sorts. I got tangled in time lines for this novel so the easiest way around it for me was to map it out with the different characters and plot lines to make it more simple to manage and it worked too. Now I have a big empty wall and need to find something to put in it's place.

If this wasn't exciting enough I am getting to grips with Twitter (I think!) and last night joined in with a chat to Deborah Harkness who wrote my favourite book of the moment, A Discovery of Witches http://deborahharkness.com/ I will willingly admit I have read it more than once and also gave it to my mum for mother's day and she read it in three days and had the same reaction as me that she was gutted she had finished it and we're not able to read the next instalment until it's release on 10th July this year. I was very excited that I got responses to my questions, hopefully one day someone will have the same reaction to something I have written? I can live in hope!

Then this evening while celebrating my achievements...





Red wine. Of course!
Mid first glass I look at my phone and have received a text from my mum. She tells me her auntie had sadly passed away this morning. Right off I have to admit I have not spent much time with the relative on my mums side of the family as many of them live near the top of Scotland and I have only ever been as far as Gretna Green for a friends wedding. But of course I was saddened to hear the news and just makes you realise that no matter what is happening to you in your life good or bad there are always others worse off. From the nice things that my mum has said about her auntie she sounded like a lovely lady who had endured a difficult life at times but treated those she knew and met with immense kindness. So tonight and through this difficult time my thoughts are with those left behind. A somber note to leave it on this evening but I feel it's only right to stop here.

Small world...

Totals...Twitter 3 Tweets ... Facebook...1 status updates ...blog entry...one in progress...actual productive writing of my novel...600 words, Cups of coffee...1 (then substituted with peppermint tea) Cupcakes ...1
Music mostly on my itunes this evening; Matt Cardle, Snow Patrol.

There is plenty of random ramblings to follow, but I thought to start with I should talk about my reasons for today's title. Through the brief amount of time that I have been blogging, tweeting and various other things to try and make connections with fellow writers nothing has surprised me more than how small the world now seems. Already I have made connections with people in America, Canada, Ireland and too many places to mention here that far exceed the amount of places I have physically visited in my time on the planet. Believe me I would love to get to all of these places, I am a frustrated traveller - a little too nervous to travel alone so live vicariously most of the time through books and blogs.
Don't get me wrong I don't think this is a bad thing at all and it has truly opened my eyes reading about others experiences and perhaps learning and taking on board some advice. I think sometimes it is hard to make family and friends and colleagues (those of us still with day jobs) understand about the sometimes weird, wonderful and frustrating world of writing because although I may be excited about the fact that I wrote 1000 words today, it's not necessarily going to be a feeling shared but people in my life who don't write.
So for now and for as long as I am able to I am going to embrace ways to make connections, ask questions and interact with like minded individuals that understand that sometimes it would be great to have someone say 1000 words wow you must be really pleased, because yes I am!

OK as for the rest of my day it went a little like this, walking in the sunshine, drinking coffee, writing and another trip to the movies this time Bel Ami.

I have to say the reviews for this film weren't great so my expectations were not overly high, even thought I generally don't pay much attention to critics and prefer to make my own mind up about a film. I still enjoyed the film, for those very much in love with Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen in the Twilight series it's a very different role and I thought he did it well. It was certainly a brave choice of film and to be honest he's a bit of a sleazy womaniser who can't keep it in his pants for much of the film nothing much sparkling here. It was also great to see Christina Ricci on form, I think she's very talented and sadly under-rated. So all in all my movie going experiences this week have been successful which is good as its rubbish to get built up to go to the cinema only to walk away disappointed.

On my walk home I decided that I wanted some flowers and the only way I was going to get them was if I bought them myself so I did...

They will brighten up my desk and hopefully smell lovely.

The rest of my day was pretty uneventful but I am pleased to say now that the reason I was so happy and sworn to secrecy at the weekend was due to one of my best friends being proposed to. I couldn't be more happy for her she has met a really nice guy and I hope if she reads this she won't mind me saying but I have never seen her happier than this and wish them both a lifetime of happiness together.

On that note it is me pretty much done for today, a day at my desk tomorrow but for studying purposes rather than writing, although if I am productive I am sure I will manage to squeeze some writing in later in the day.

Goodnight.

Artistic licence?

Totals...Twitter 4 Tweets ... Facebook...2 status updates ...blog entry...one in progress...actual productive writing of my novel...1000 words, Cups of coffee...0 (substituted with tea today!)  Cupcakes ...1
Music mostly on my itunes this evening; Christina Perri

Amazingly today being the first of my two days off I woke up to find the sun shining. It being the first day of spring I wanted to make the most of my time off unfortunately I'd woken a bit later than I wanted to mainly due to turning off the alarm several times. I made up for it after breakfast and making the builder (working on the conservatory that will soon be finished only 12 months after it was promised but in time for the sunshine never the less!) a cup of coffee, then getting dressed in bright colours instead of the usual black and walked into the city.
This was the view from my seat at the coffee shop I sat in to write today...

Norwich is a pretty city and it was nice view and there were a lot of people walking around and lots of children too who looked as though they were on a school trip.
Throughout the day I was engaged in a text conversation with a friend who also has an interest in writing, he's having a difficult time lately but was also saying he was frustrated about not having a computer so felt unable to write. I text him this picture...

This is how I normally write, I'm too accident prone to carry a laptop around with me, not disciplined enough to stay away from Facebook and twitter and I like to see the words on the page. I know it can sometimes be a chore to type it up afterwards but for me its the first stage in my own editing process. I'm sure everyone has their own preferences and that's fine but realistically and at the most basic level all you need to write is some paper and something to write with! I am hoping I have encouraged him enough with a little push enough to get him to put pen to paper.

Feeling pretty happy with the amount of writing I got done today, I'm almost done with the final two chapters in this book, then the first draft will be complete. I decided it was only right to reward myself with a trip to the cinema.
I chose to watch a film called We Bought a Zoo with Matt Damon for two reasons; firstly I'm sure I've mentioned it but I have a bit of a thing for Matt Damon, secondly the film in question is based on a true story of a journalist called Benjamin Mee. A certain amount of artistic licence has been used the location of the zoo, the film is set in America but the zoo that the film is based on is called Dartmoor Zoological Park and is not far from where I grew up (Plymouth, England). I have been there on a number of occasions when it was called Sparkwell, but have not been recently but I really hoped that the film would capture the story well.

I have to say in all honesty I loved it but it made me cry, lots! Of course it goes without saying that Matt Damon was great but the children in the film are brilliant too, as are everyone in the film. I have to say it is a film I would watch again and recommend to others (which is why I put the trailer on here for you to see) but next time I'll make sure I have a supply of tissues. I understand why stories are changed sometimes to make the film appeal to a wider audience and I'm glad they did but I can't help feeling a little sad that it had to be Americanised!
To finish off the day a helping of sparkly vampires care of Breaking Dawn (I'm not ashamed to admit I love the Twilight saga!) with housemate was called for and now I think it's time for bed. I'm hoping tomorrow will be just as productive.

Fire!!

Totals...Twitter 3 Tweets (in my defence I have worked a 13 hour shift!)  Facebook...1 status updates ...blog entry...one in progress...actual productive writing of my novel...0(ish) words, Cups of coffee...2 Cupcakes ...0

Music mostly on my itunes this evening; Muse, Florence & the Machine, Marcus Foster

OK so there isn't an actual fire, but having finished a fairly tiring 13 hour shift, left work and cursing the headlight that decided to give up before I'd left work to drive home - I cooked a very quick stir fry (10 minutes a record for me including chopping, cooking and dishes - not eating!) then settled down to do what we do and multitask so I could fit some productive writing time into my day and realised I'd been a little eager with the chili and the only thing on hand to put out said fire was a nice bottle of red wine. Which as always went down a little too easily, so one and half glasses in (it would be rude not to finish it) now I find myself thinking about writing, making very little sense in a blog entry, feeling ever-so-slightly tipsy and wondering if I will wake up for my 0530hrs alarm call for another epic 13 hour shift!
So perhaps the writing is best left, but the thing is I had set my alarm for 0500hrs in order to put in some time before work but when it came to it I kept hitting the snooze. So I may be in need of some suggestions to make sure I get up when the alarm goes off, because once I'm up it's fine - it's just the getting up part I struggle with because I pretty much feel like this...

...and I'm aware I've used this pic before but I can't help loving it!!!!!
So I'm off for a relatively early night, thinking it's time for a helping of sparkly vampires care of Twilight.
Goodnight.

numb...

Totals...Twitter 8 Tweets Facebook...1 status updates ...blog entry...one in progress...actual productive writing of my novel...1500(ish) words, Cups of coffee...1 Cupcakes ...1

Music mostly on my itunes this evening; James Morrison, Christina Perri

Having had two days off from my day job (I work shifts so I guess this was my weekend!) and due to the incessant rain of yesterday I spent pretty much all day refusing to go anywhere and refusing to get dressed and had a productive writing day instead which was great. This morning the sun was shinning so I went for a walk to my local park and fed the ducks...

Yes, we have clever ducks here, they even have a special crossing!

In any case after my walk I felt inspired to write again and am amazed at my productivity even if I did occasionally get sidetracked by the lure of facebook and twitter - but 1500 words down and I have broken 100,000 words and am almost through with the intially writing phase of this novel which is very different from my last, in that its funny - well I hope it is I tested the first few pages on a friend who spat out her cup of tea (I'm hoping that was a good sign? Who knows!).

Unfortunately I got lost in my own little world and kept typing and finally got up and realised I must have the most uncomfortable chair in the world - OK maybe not world but Norwich at least because my bottom is incredibly numb...so before any further two day writing marathon's I'm seriously going to have to re-think the chair situation. I have an exercise ball which is quite comfy to sit on, unfortunately I wouldn't be able to reach the keyboard. All suggestions gratefully received and yes I know I should have had a break but I was engrossed in what I was doing and didn't want to stop.

I'm a little sad that I won't have so much time to write over the next few days as I am back at my day job (which I love by the way) but it infringes upon writing time!

As well as this a welcome distraction in the form of my parents and seven year old nephew are coming to visit I've not seen them since Christmas so I will allow myself time off the writing for that, because as it stands it looks like I'm going to meet my self imposed deadline!!!

Time to get up out of this chair, that's all for tonight!

Goodnight.

Sugar rush!

Totals...Twitter 10 Tweets  Facebook...1 status updates ...blog entry...one in progress...actual productive writing of my novel...500(ish) words, Cups of coffee...1 Cupcakes ...1 (and I made 10 does that count?)
Music mostly on my itunes this evening; Coldplay but now feeling a bit glum, may need to change it soon!

Got home today feeling exhausted more so than after working a 13 hour shift, so in order to off load baked some cupcakes cakes the result is better than therapy...

Although am feeling slightly concerned that I'd opened a nice bottle of red wine while I cooked and it went down a little too easily and now I'm not hungry...not so sure that is a good thing!

I managed to get a little writing done this morning before the day job which is just as well as I'm not sure I'm good for much now, however two days off now so I have nothing planned and am hoping to be productive and possibly even get somewhere close to finished (that's the aim anyway!) until then I think I'm going to sign off with a short entry this evening in the hope I will feel more productive in the morning!

Goodnight!

Very nearly squished!

Totals from 1st March having been too traumatised to blog, more of which later!...Twitter (14 Tweets) Facebook...3 status updates ...blog entry...one in progress...actual productive writing of my novel...500 words, Cups of coffee...2 Cupcakes ...1 (if a lemons an poppy seed muffin counts?)

Music mostly on my itunes this evening; nothing, too traumatised watching mindless scary films and drinking red wine with a friend instead!

So today started out pretty nicely, the sun was shining, got a good amount of writing done and met my Aunt for lunch - it's a shame the same couldn't be said for the afternoon. After collecting car and having the sinking feeling in my stomach when something didn't feel right I called on the assistance of my local AA man for help; feeling a little embarrassed owing to the fact I was currently parked in a multi-story car park in a shopping mall.
After a very quick call back I was told he was fifteen minutes away so I headed back to the car to meet him. Feeling very foolish when I threatened all sorts of things to the car if it was going to cost the earth to repai,r including having it squished and afterwards having never really felt much love for said car I actually relished the idea a bit about seeing it squished...perhaps I could even have a little dance on top of it afterwards?
After the very nice AA man looked at it and told me that my brakes had seized we drove very carefully down to his truck in the bowels of the mall to the loading bay car park, where he investigated and pulled off the first wheel. Made a few clucking sounds and then told me it perhaps wouldn't be as bad as I thought to fix. (I have to admit I was a little let down having worked out my dance moves ready for dancing onto of the squished metal block that I had imagined!) Leaving me he went to get the required items and left me alone and jacked up.
Of course a lorry arrived (why wouldn't it?) and wanted to pull into the bay alongside of me which was currently inhabited by a member of staff. Things happened a bit quickly from there, one minute I saw the drivers mate talking to the car driver who had returned to move his car. Then looked down into my bag to find something and it was like things happened in slow motion. I looked up and saw the car reversing and the lorry reversing and before I could get out of the car to shout or do anything the lorry had just about pinned the car against the concrete pillar and made a fair mess of the side and back of the car while I stood resembling a goldfish. The very nice AA man returned to find this after it had only just happened and to find me pretty shocked to the point I threw up. I think I was more embarrassed. Luckily no-one was hurt, apart from the poor car.
Still somewhat shocked I collected a friend who was staying the night and she force fed me red wine!
She is an excellent friend! Obviously red wine cures everything!!!
I suppose if anything good were to come from this it would be an excellent incident to include in a book! Who knows.
Phew what a long post hope I didn't lose you somewhere along the way.

Inspired

Writing...Twitter (6 tweets so far...including re-tweets) Facebook...1 status update ...blog entry...one in progress...actual productive writing of my novel...2,000 words, Cups of coffee...2 Cupcakes ...2 (see pictorial evidence below)

Music mostly on my itunes this evening; The Script - The Script & Science and Faith, Snow Patrol - Best of up to now.

At last, I'm feeling particularly pleased with myself today after having a very productive day and have only stopped writing because I need to make myself stop in the hope that I will feel as inspired tomorrow and produce similar results. To prove my statement above after sadly neglecting the amazingness of cupcakes here is where my inspiration started this morning...

This just got better from here,  the only distraction being from a lady that sat one table away who thought that the whole coffee shop wanted to be in on her conversation - had it been interesting perhaps I could have used it...unfortunately it wasn't so I turned up my music in order to drown her out and continued. My fingers actually ache so I'm taking that as a sign that its been a good day after my negativity yesterday.

I even managed to fit in a trip to the cinema in the name of...research? Or just the fact that I wanted to go and watch a film when it was quiet, just as well really as I blubbed like a baby while watching "The Vow" and I'm not really sure it's a good idea to go to the cinema alone to watch such films...think I may need a shoulder to cry on for the next one! In any case the trailer is below in case you feel like checking it out, just take some tissues!



Even after the film I came home and continued writing when I'm not normally able to write anything at home (normally due to too many distractions more than anything else) and only stopped to make dinner and to help out housemate - which consisted of driving around the city to find an address to leave her car then bring her home in my car, only problem was we lost each other and she had the sat nav and neither of us knew where we were going. Consequently even with the sat nav we couldn't find the address, so after driving around aimlessly for almost forty minutes we gave up and both drove home again. After dinner I even wrote for another thirty minutes before deciding to stop in order to have an already primed starting point for tomorrow.
Thankfully today has restored my faith that I will make my deadline and although returning to the day job on Friday at least I'm back on track!
Now all I need to do is to tell my brain it's time to switch off...any suggestions?

Hi there!

Writing...Twitter (9 tweets so far...including re-tweets) Facebook...1 status update ...blog entry...one in progress...actual productive writing of my novel...0 words (does opening my notebook count?), Cups of coffee...0 Cupcakes ...0 (but my lovely housemate gave me a panacotta dessert not sure this counts will try harder tomorrow!)
Music mostly on my itunes this evening; Maroon 5 How, Marcus Foster I was broken, Birdy Skinny love, Christina Perri Penguin, Florence and the machine No light no light.


Videos that made me laugh today...

Amazing! I have my very first comment. I am so pleased, I didn't actually think there was anyone out there so Hi if you are reading this, it's nice to know there is someone out there.
I'm trying not to be to hard on myself but it's been a pretty rubbish start to the week as far as writing is concerned but as it's only Tuesday I'm not going to feel bad about it. I now have two days off from my day job so my aim is to get up early and walk into the city and find myself a nice corner in one of my favourite coffee shops and park my bottom and write until my fingers hurt!
It seems that the closer I get to finishing this book, the harder it is to write...is that normal? I know exactly where it's going to end it's just the actual writing I seem to be struggling with! Still I have just over a month until my self imposed deadline so I'm really hoping I will make it. I already have planned what I want to work on next and the idea and characters are starting to take shape but I've promised myself I won't start until this one is completed.
I had planned on writing this evening but after a busy shift at work, almost torturing myself to the point of exhaustion at a spinning class, and being fed the most amazing chickpea and butternut squash curry by my housemate I think once I'm done here I'm going to take the night off. I'm already contemplating a Ghost Whisperer marathon (I can't help it. I love it, it's so sad it is no more, though don't get me started on the last season!!!!!!)
So at the risk of repeating myself, I'm going to take a deep breath relax and not be hard on myself knowing tomorrow is another day and without the distraction of Facebook or Twitter (I think I need help I'm sure I'm developing an addiction to Twitter!) my day will be much more productive...and perhaps then I will deserve my cupcake!!!
Goodnight.

Ouch!

Writing...Twitter (5 tweets so far...not good) Facebook...no status update (bad!)...blog entry...one in progress...actual productive writing of my novel...0 words (oops, but assignment for work completed surely that counts?), Cups of coffee...1 Cupcakes ...0

Am too traumatised to type have been side tracked while watching Dancing on Ice poor Matt Evers, got a skate in the face that had to hurt more than a little bit! But am amazed at his professionalism not sure I could have got back on and done it again...not that I could have done it in the first place! I know I shouldn't have put on the television but I'm kind of hooked, even makes me want to get on the ice - though a little more low key...preferably when nobody is watching!!!!

Too tired to blog much but am excited as first novel is winging it's way to my editor to get tweaked within an inch of it's life before I embark on the epic journey of trying to find a publisher and hopefully an agent, exciting but tough (I'm sure) times ahead. But there is no point in having a dream unless you dream big is there?

Multi-tasking...who me?

Writing...Twitter (15 tweets so far...there may be smoke emanating from my fingertips...or not) Facebook...one status update...blog entry...one in progress...actual productive writing of my novel...0 words (oops, but assignment for work started surely that counts?), Cups of coffee...0 Cupcakes ...0 dodgy programme about boy bands watched...um...two (hangs head in shame at the amount of songs I know the words to!)

So this evening may not be productive in terms of actual writing content but I am proud, returned home from a 13 hour shift, cooked dinner, turned on the television watching documentary on boy bands (oh yes!) and tackling (sort of ) assignment for work, singing to boy band documentary, logging on to Facebook, logging on to twitter, more singing...now moved on to Top of the Pops boy band special, cue more singing (sorry housemates) and now blog post. Cue huge pat on the back on account of multi-tasking skills!
I am actually a little saddened (OK a lot) of how many songs I actually know, it maybe time to lock away my itunes for fear of being ridiculed!
In case you are in need of a fix here are a few of my...um...favourites...

excellent video!!!!

Unfortunate pause pic! But I defy you to hate it...soon to be no more...sniff, sniff

I could go on, but I would probably be locked in a cupboard and forced to listen to heavy metal until I renounce boy bands to be the work of the devil...or something like that!
Nothing of any real substance to report on this evening, my brain has been turned to mush by all of those pretty looking men! Will try harder tomorrow!

We have lift off!!!

Writing...Twitter (3 tweets so far...must try harder) Facebook...one status update...blog entry...one in progress...actual productive writing of my novel...2000 words (yay!), Cups of coffee...1 Cupcakes ...1

After a frustratingly dry period where I spent my time either working too many hours or staring blankly at a plain piece of paper in the desperate hope that words would appear (they didn't) it seems that all I needed was a bit of sunshine! The last two days have reached almost 60 degrees and it's February! So after a walk in my local park (picture below) and taking time to watch the ducks I felt in a much happier frame of mind! Ducks always seem happy (or maybe that's just me?) in any case it must have been just what I needed!

Afterwards I dragged myself into the city and nearest coffee shop and got stuck in, and finally I am glad to say 2,000 words later I am starting to feel a bit closer to finishing somewhere near my self imposed deadline.
Managing to squeeze writing into my daily life is sometimes a little hard as with anyone who is not fortunate enough to list author as their full time occupation, but I am determined that one day I will (you have to dream big - what's the point in aiming for average?). After leaving the coffee shop on a bit of a caffeine and sugar induced high I decided it was only right to reward my hard work and what else than a two hour cinema date with Ryan Reynolds and Denzel Washington would do...nothing? In that case it was just as well that's what I did and very glad of it too! Really enjoyed Safe House - although it did make me wish I had been providing first aid cover for the set!!!
Home to attempt assignment for day job studying...however the lure of Facebook and twitter proved too much and after setting up my shiny new folders I got side tracked!!! Must try harder. Perhaps I need to cut myself off from the Internet...no that would be terrible! Well any suggestions other than that are very gratefully received! Right time to log off and attempt to do some work...think I'll just check Twitter!!!!